On 6 November, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Madrid, Spain, launched investigative measures at the headquarters of the Administrator of Railway Infrastructure (ADIF), the State Railway Safety Agency (AESF), and the Court of Auditors.
This action follows the initiation of an investigation into potential fraud involving EU funds designated for the renovation and enhancement of safety, signalling, and communications systems on the Madrid-Seville high-speed railway line, where a tragic accident occurred on 28 October 2026, near Urda in the province of Toledo.
This year has witnessed two significant accidents on this line: one in January resulting in 46 fatalities and another in October claiming 69 lives. The EPPO has proactively initiated this investigation (ex officio), with assistance from Spain’s Central Operational Unit of the Guardia Civil (Unidad Central Operativa – UCO).
Given the considerable public interest in the matter, the EPPO will not disclose additional details at this time. Another investigation into the same high-speed railway line was launched in March 2026. The EPPO serves as the European Union’s independent public prosecution office and investigates, prosecutes, and adjudicates crimes against the financial interests of the EU.
